event

Measuring Microplastics in the Coastal Environment: A Citizen Science Workshop

15

Oct

The Institute of Science and Environment will hold a workshop on 15 and 18 October 2022.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP:

Plastic pollution is a serious global concern, with an estimated 19-23 million metric tons entering marine and freshwater ecosystems annually.  Plastics are especially prevalent in coastal zones, being at the interface between the land (main source of plastic litter/debris input) and the oceans (where most plastics get mixed before dispersion to other habitats). A less obvious but more damaging issue is the vast presence of microplastics (particles that are less than 5mm in size) in marine ecosystems, which can affect the well-being of marine life as well as the health of humans who consume them.

Increased understanding of the presence and dynamics of microplastics in these coastal areas, as well as their impacts on affected ecosystems, is important in developing measures/mitigation. Involving the members of the community as citizen scientists, can contribute invaluable monitoring data to microplastic pollution.  This workshop will train citizen scientists the steps that they can take to help understand and address microplastic pollution in our coastal environment. Participants will learn some background information about microplastics, proper sampling techniques, sample extraction and analysis through hands-on training sessions.

This workshop will be delivered within the context of the following projects: 1)  “Wetland ecosystems: a nature-based solution for coastal protection and plastic pollution entrapment in Macao” supported by the Drop by Drop Project, Clean the World Foundation and Sands Eco Sustainability; and 2) “PlastiFish: Methods, effects and risk analysis of microplastics in fish production” jointly funded by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT) and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT).

PROGRAM:

Session I (15 October, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m)

• Lecture: Overview of the latest science over the sources, pathways, and effects of microplastics
• Hands-on Lab Session: Measuring Microplastics — Sampling and Extraction

Session II (18 October, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m )

• Hands-on Lab Session: Measuring Microplastics — Extraction and analysis
• Discussion, wrap up and awarding of certificates

Details:

Location: Teaching Lab, USJ Nape Campus